Original Letter from David Wasmundt

Neo-Apostates

To admit misgivings about any negative effects of your work is not easy.
But if you strive to be honorable and true, to smother the pangs of conscience
with pride is even harder to do. My writing of the book "Neo-Phariseeism"
was the product of a challenging and soul searching process that led me through
some doors of personal revelation and subsequent considerations of the effects
of what I called in my sequel book, "Pendulum Extremes." Actually, what became
"Neo-Phariseeism" was more of a personal thesis in an attempt to arrange
my thinking on an array of issues that were continually privately discussed
and debated among ministerial colleagues of mine through the years. These
reflections seemed to culminate at the same time that the United Pentecostal
Church International, with which I had held credentials for twenty five years,
produced a somewhat controversial resolution requiring ministers to sign
resolutions reaffirming some of the "traditional standards" that it held
important.

As I was uncertain of exactly what I believed about some of the "dress mandates,"
I could not in good conscious sign the resolution. So what began as personal
conjectures and speculation evolved into a public written testimonial of
sorts that "grew legs" from there largely because there was such a vacuum
of information that existed with regard to many of these issues. To my knowledge
at that time there was not any United Pentecostal Church publication that
dealt specifically with the subject of phariseeism, a subject that our Lord
dealt with in a rather incisive manner. In any event, I was left echoing
in a public way, questions that thousands only silently pondered. Perhaps
just one wise elder or official could have made a difference in the course
that many took had there been any kind of attempt to personally or publicly
dialogue about these matters. That is why it is essential that religious
affiliations provide legitimate forums so that sincere questions can be asked
and even genuinely debated without the sanction of expulsion or the smearing
of reputations and motives being the only closure that appears available.
As things appeared to me, I felt morally compelled to respond to a real growing
phariseeism that threatened the doctrine of true holiness in the church.
I do not regret in any way this aspect of my endeavor.

Presently however, I find myself in the difficult position of having both
sides of the pendulum extremists irritated with me. But I can only speak
from what I have observed having this consolation that ultimately, "The Lord
knows His own," and will some day reveal our true motivations and desires.
But as I previously felt compelled by the Lord to speak out against some
misrepresentations of true holiness, so now I feel equally compelled to be
candid about what I have observed in more recent times. I have been troubled
by those that have attempted to use "Neo-Phariseeism" as a justification
for false grace; for the excision of true holiness and for immodesty in
adornment. I regret if and where that these misuses have occurred.

It is still my belief that those that pervert holiness as primarily a "skin
outward" doctrine with arrogant and offensive spirits, continue to do as
much damage to the church as the "false grace" movement. Real legalism is
still a rampant and insidious distortion of the truth about the grace of
God. True grace is revelatory as well as true holiness and other foundational
doctrines of scripture.

So while I certainly believe that I was on target as to the concerns that
I raised about phariseeism in the church, I slowly became alarmed as I began
to watch a "pendulum effect" that became evident in so many people that began
to adjust to what I believed were simply certain outdated dress restrictions.
My dismay intensified as I observed many of these people progress from having
dress codes that retained moderation, to basically dismantling all modesty
requirements. Now anything that had to do with outward holiness suddenly
was labeled as the "spirit of religion," and then I began hearing about those
people that were "farther down the road." Unfortunately it was not a "road"
that impressed me as I discovered the same old ugly pharisaical attitude
that was simply the reverse of conservative hardline pharisaism that I had
been acquainted with in the first place. Only now I saw a "liberal elitism"
that looked down its nose at anything that didn't resemble its own endemic
dress fashion and doctrinal openness! I recoiled at the "venom" that many
displayed at "holiness people" and "godly convictions." Unfortunately it
didn't stop there with some of these liberated dissidents, because the "pendulum"
then carried them from the "Apostolic doctrine" to a smorgasbord of charismatic
type doctrines from "Make me rich," to "Make me a prophet" to "Make me laugh."
But all it did was make me sick. As a result, I never became involved in
any permanent way with these groups and thank God that by His grace, I continue
to have a heart for true holiness.

But as a result of my books, I feel somewhat compelled to warn those who
might be in a mode of contemplation regarding these issues, about the inherent
dangers of the pendulum effect. Although perhaps it is not possible to declare
many holiness interpretations as absolute as the "Ten Commandments," it is
important to weigh the Apostle Paul's sentiments that although all things
may be "lawful," their lack of expediency must be carefully considered to
avoid the effects of the "pendulum."

Dangers of Falling Off The "Wagon of Holiness Sobriety"

I have come to believe that although it is possible to have differing view
points on relative issues such as modesty, it is important to be aware that
without proper church authorization and supervision, any adjustments can
be experientially harmful to those who have been given certain spiritual
as well as certain "traditional" understandings of holiness. Those understandings
correctly contain certain elements that encourage believers to outwardly
"come out and be separate" from the world, as well as call for the necessary
inward manifestations of holiness. In light of the continual deterioration
in the moral condition of our society and in view of the "pendulum" effect
that I have described, it would seem to me that for those that have been
inoculated with what I will refer to as a high level of "holiness sobriety,"
it may be better to err a little on the conservative side of holiness theology
than to risk falling off of the "wagon of holiness sobriety" into the immoral
inebriation of the culture. This paradigm of perpetual compromise always
results in a status of apostasy described vividly by the Apostle Peter.

While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption:
for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. For
if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge
of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and
overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had
been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after
they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned
to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the
mire (2 Peter 2:19-22).

If Peter were alive today, I believe that he would agree with me and say,
"the "false liberty" movement is a failure. The "false grace" movement is
a failure. The liberal elements of the "charismatic movement" is a failure."
The fact remains that no amount of re-labeling sin will make it moral. Peter
emphatically declares that you can package sin any way you want to but it
will still emanate with the stench of mud and vomit! There is no escaping
the fact that people who attempt to shrewdly legitimize that which is clearly
sin are Neo-Apostates that have broken the "holiness covenant" that pledged
a bride to Christ having no spot or wrinkle. Presently, as a result of an
insidious moral implosion that is sweeping the land, we see that the pendulum
effect has carried many believers to the point where they have just about
given up resisting the cultural tug of immorality. Sadly they have fallen
"off the wagon" of a "chosen generation," a "royal priesthood " an holy nation"
and a "peculiar people." Now they are just like everyone else, unholy and
unashamed.

How an Inch Becomes a Mile

I have come to realize to a greater degree than before, that contained in
human nature there is a certain quirkiness or a principle that tends to reinforce
a corresponding scientific principle that says "things in motion tend to
stay in motion." Thus, for too many people, (not all) in the realm of adjustments
to holiness traditions and dictates, there is a tendency to stay in motion,
so that cultural adjustments turn into cultural debasements; moderation gives
way to excess; true grace turns into false disgrace and ultimately a loss
of important doctrines, pureness of heart and personal commitment occur.

Simply put, freedom becomes a curse for those who are either unable or unwilling
to accept a corresponding personal responsibility. Freedom always carries
an absolute "addendum" of responsibility and accountability. In the spiritual
realm, that addendum is always delivered by the Holy Ghost, in conjunction
with the Word of God, for only where the "spirit of the Lord" is available
to feed us as well as constrain us on a daily basis, can true liberty be
enjoyed. Unfortunately it is obviously clear that far too many believers
do not make themselves privy to the personal leading of the Holy Spirit.
It has become clearer to me that perhaps this is why God has established
a system of checks and balances within organizational church leadership in
order to correct those believers that tend to stay in perpetual motion toward
the world.

This human foible of "turning an inch into a mile" is also true in other
areas of life whenever and wherever the soulish part of humanity is given
an opportunity to wrestle away physical, moral or spiritual assets. Thus
the person dieting; the athlete exercising; the student studying; the musician
practicing, and yes, the believer praying, giving and committing to God must
always confront a potential crisis of deterioration and compromise when they
allow themselves to take even a "inch" of ease and assuagement in these
productive areas because "turning an inch into a mile" is more than a simple
cliché, it is a reality. That reality also indicates that the
deceitfulness of our heart will always attempt to defile the truth that is
in us. The carnal in us will always attempt to negotiate for just an inch,
but will still be grasping for more after miles of capitulation and ruin
lay behind us. The corner of darkness in our heart will always attempt to
smother the light that is in us. Best advice? Don't negotiate.

In terms of personal spiritual control, perhaps it was nonsensical "idealism"
on my part that assumed that people would install a personal governor on
the racing engines of their fleshly desires. Perhaps the same inability in
drug addicts and alcoholics to adjust to less as opposed to total prohibition
is also the reason that the majority of believers that are mightily delivered
from the addiction of sin and self and are then brought to a certain level
of "holiness sobriety" cannot adjust downward or moderate their comprehension
of these beliefs without "falling off the wagon" of holiness altogether.
This notion seems to be true even if the adjustments are "lawful" and even
if the understandings are traditionally acquired.

Bottom Line Truth

It would seem that if reasonable spiritual principles and standards are applied
through Biblical teaching to a believers holiness awareness, such as the
ideals embodied in "separation from the world" and "denying ones self," that
these understandings then become a part of the behavior for those that understand
their spiritual relevance and thus become a part of what is necessary for
them to maintain their holiness sobriety. At the same time we must acknowledge
that there are other groups of believers that apply holiness standards somewhat
differently and not having been exposed to certain indigenous traditions
as they relate to holiness, are not affected by this "slippery slope" phenomenon.
This is evidenced by the reality that they also embrace basic teachings of
modesty, separation and commitment that are common elements to the doctrine
of holiness. The bottom line truth seems to confirm that reasonable people
can interpret holiness standards somewhat differently but it is difficult
for conservative believers to adjust to a more liberal stance without a pendulum
effect.

The Apostle Paul 's spiritual analogy could apply here in the sense that
we could concede that "others may eat meat" but those that were saved with
traditions of "meat prohibitions" may risk choking on it. So while it may
be possible for some to get out the spiritual "A-1 sauce," most need at a
minimum, legitimate, spiritual supervision so they don't strangle themselves
with that which may be lawful but not expedient to them. Too many people
are becoming Neo-Apostates in their pursuit of freedom. Too many are losing
their spiritual equilibrium as they slowly fall away from God toward the
magnetism of the world, the flesh and the devil. Too many have lost that
certain "heart after God," as evidenced by their lack of commitment toward
the building of the kingdom of God. Regardless of the "Pharisees" that exist
in and out of the holiness movement, by the grace of God I want to continue
to keep my face set toward holiness and a continued love for the Apostolic
doctrine and godly living.

The warning must go forth with a certain sound of urgency that in these evil
days, all of us had better submit ourselves to the governor of the Holy Ghost,
as well as legitimate and unified church leadership, or the odds of the motion
toward this dying world will be too great to resist. All I know is that the
world is getting too dark, the hour is too late and the task of the church
is to great to risk seeing good people who have had a high standard of holiness
sobriety continue to fall off of the "wagon of godliness" back into an ever
increasing cultural flood of moral depravity.

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